Bridges Can be Rebuilt

            All of us are bridge-builders to some extent. Someone is following our path as we attempt to “bridge” the gap between this life and the one to come. Bridges connect two locations which otherwise may not be accessible. It’s not uncommon to approach a road sign saying, “Bridge out one mile, road closed.” That scenario applies to Randy Bryant’s experience as a “washed out bridge,” separated from his family. “I was addicted to drugs for 20 years,” Randy says. “I’ve broken…many hearts, and I’ve severed ties with those I loved…My life was no life.” He goes on to relate how he sold his mother’s car at a fraction of it’s worth, just to get another “fix.”

            But something changed when “God in His mercy reached out to me and directed my steps to the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley (OH). I was once a conniving con; today I know I’m a child of God with hope for a better future.” Randy goes on to relate how his addiction destroyed his relationship with his now 20-year old son. But when his son witnessed his dad’s change of life he said, “Dad, we can’t get back those 18 years, but we can live for the future.” Randy says, “I never thought I’d ever hear those words come from his mouth. He’s even coming to church with me now.” Through a miracle of God’s grace, a “bridge” has now been rebuilt!

            Randy is not only a “bridge” to his family, but a shining light for many others who are coming out of “darkness.” He relates that “I have never been happier in my life. I have learned how to humble myself and to put others first, ‘cause all my life it was about me; now it’s all about Jesus.” With a joyous smile, he further exclaims, “I’m learning how to be a man of God, a husband, and a father to my kids.”

Randy recently graduated from the Mission’s one-year Discipleship Academy, and has become a full-time staff member at the Mission. His life and ministry are infectious for Christ. The glow of God’s glory in a real Christian defies human understanding and description. “For if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor.5:17)

 Randy Bryant exemplifies how a “new life” serves as a “bridge” or connector, pointing lost souls to the Savior. His story is just another saga in history, demonstrating that the Gospel (Good News) of Christ is still the “power of God unto salvation to all who believe…”      

Does God Answer All Our Prayers?

Prov. 28:9---He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

            How often does one hear someone say: "I say a prayer every night before I go to sleep." Lip service in prayer is so common, yet true prayer fellowship with the true God is rare indeed. There's nothing that reveals one's character and godly attitude any more than intimate "talking" with God. This is indeed the soul's breath of a true Christian, likened to the unceasing breathing process of the body. But this proverb has a "catch"---a shocking prerequisite to acceptable prayer; i.e. obedience to the Word of God.

            One who "turneth away (lit. turns off, turns aside) his ear (inner spiritual ear) from hearing (regarding, obeying) the law (Word), even his prayer (intercession, supplication) shall be abomination" (lit. something morally disgusting, idolatrous). Wow! How could it ever be wrong to "pray?" I thought God "answers all our prayers?"

            What a profound exhortation is this axiom. People "pray," but to whom? I said prayers for years, but never felt like I got past the ceiling. I mouthed words, but with no witness of speaking to a living God. Then Jesus came into my life and all was changed---I got through the ceiling for the first time when I cried out for His salvation and forgiveness!

            Thus prayer is not just words spoken into the air, but a definite conversation and intimacy with the True and Living God. But we must emphasize here the necessity to be in touch with the written Word in order to be in touch with the Living Word (Jesus). "If ye abide in Me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you," so Jesus said in Jno.15:7.

            Our obedience to and flow from the Word has direct and vital connection to our prayer life. Disobedience or sin "cuts the cord" or lifeline of fellowship with God. David said: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psa. 66:18)

            Notice, however, that Solomon is not just saying that if we "turn off" the Word our prayers will not be answered; rather he takes it even further by saying: "even his prayer shall be abomination;" i.e. not only unanswered, but wholly rejected as detestable and disgusting before God. What an indictment! Prayer is not a catch-all, as some may think. It's time to proclaim this truth to a sleeping, worldly, backslidden Church, as well as a pseudo-religious world. True prayer emanates from a saving, intimate relationship with the True God.  We cannot pray any higher than we live.